What Are The Symptoms That Your Home Foundation Is In Grave Distress In San Marcos?
Concrete is one of the most durable building materials available, but it is not indestructible. Foundations made of concrete can crack and settle over time, especially if they are not built properly or if the ground beneath them shifts.
If you think your foundation might be in trouble, look out for these some warning signs:
Cracks In The Walls Or Floors
Concrete cracks are the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your foundation. Hairline cracks are usually not cause for alarm, but wider, more noticeable cracks could be a sign of settling or other problems.
Gaps Around Doors And Windows
Doors and windows that suddenly start sticking or don’t fit properly in their frames could be another sign of foundation trouble. This can happen when the house settles and the frame pulls away from the rest of the structure.
Cracks In Ceilings
Cracks in ceilings are often caused by structural problems with the roof or attic, but they can also be a sign of foundation damage. If you see cracks, especially if they’re accompanied by sagging or bowing, it’s important to have a professional take a look.
Walls That Lean Or Bow
Walls that are not perpendicular to the floor or ceiling could be another sign of a foundation problem. This is often caused by soil pressure from outside the home, but it can also be a sign of settling.
Doors Or Windows That Stick
Doors and windows that suddenly start sticking or don’t fit properly in their frames could be another sign of foundation trouble. This can happen when the house settles and the frame pulls away from the rest of the structure.
Gaps Between The House And Garage
If you have a detached garage, pay attention to any cracks or gaps that appear between it and the house. This could be a sign that the foundation is settling or that the garage is pulling away from the rest of the structure.
Cracks In Brick Veneer
Brick veneer is a popular exterior finish for houses, but it can be expensive to repair if it’s not installed properly. If you see cracks in the brick, especially around doors and windows, it could be a sign of foundation damage.
Sagging Floors
Floors that are not level can be a sign of foundation settlement or other problems. This is often most noticeable in older houses with wood floors, but it can happen with any type of flooring.
Cracks In The Chimney
The chimney is one of the heaviest parts of the house, so it’s important that it is supported properly by the foundation. If you see cracks in the chimney, especially at the top or bottom, it could be a sign of foundation damage.
Water In The Basement
Water in the basement is never a good sign, but it can be especially problematic if it’s coming from cracks in the foundation. This can lead to serious structural problems, so it’s important to have any leaks fixed as soon as possible.
Musty Smells In The Basement
If your basement has a musty smell, it could be a sign of mold or mildew. This can be caused by water leaks, so it’s important to have any leaks fixed as soon as possible.
Sagging Gutters
Gutters that are sagging or pulling away from the house could be a sign of foundation problems. This is often caused by soil pressure from outside the home, but it can also be a sign of settling.
Conclusion
If you see any of these warning signs, it’s important to have a professional inspect your foundation as soon as possible. Foundation problems can be expensive to repair, but they will only get worse if they are left untreated. For more information, contact Concrete Contractor San Marcos at (760) 289-3555.
